New Study Uncovers Continuing Lack of Immigrant-Origin MPs in Crucial European Nations

Berlin/Stuttgart, March 18, 2025 – A recent study funded by the Robert Bosch Stiftung has revealed persistent underrepresentation of immigrant-origin members of parliament (MPs) in key European countries. The REPCHANCE Europe study, which focused on Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK, found that despite some progress over the past decade, the proportion of immigrant-origin MPs still falls significantly short of reflecting their share of the population in each country.

The study, which combined quantitative data with 175 personal interviews, highlighted significant disparities in representation among the five countries. The Netherlands leads with the highest proportion of immigrant-origin MPs at 19%, followed by the UK at 15%, Switzerland at 14%, and Germany at 11%. In contrast, Spain lags behind with just 2%. While representation has increased in all five countries since 2012, the pace of progress has been uneven. Germany saw the most significant rise (+7 percentage points), while Spain made minimal gains. The UK and Switzerland experienced modest improvements of 4 and 2 percentage points, respectively.

Professor Dr. Andreas Wüst, coordinator of the study and study director for Germany, emphasized the need for equal opportunities for all, stating, “The issue is not about achieving exact proportional representation but ensuring fair opportunities for all. Political parties need to ensure equal political opportunities for the immigrant-origin population, yet several parties still have significant deficits pertaining to candidates, representatives and office holders.”

The study also revealed that immigrant-origin MPs are more likely to affiliate with left-leaning parties, especially in Germany and Switzerland, and to a lesser extent in the UK and the Netherlands. The decision to pursue political office is often influenced by growing up in politically engaged families, but mobilization by party officials often triggers a candidacy. However, election success largely depends on factors like party list placement and the likelihood of winning constituencies.

Once in office, immigrant-origin MPs often face systemic and personal barriers, including discrimination, hate speech, and being instrumentalized for symbolic purposes, the study found. Women, in particular, confront the compounded challenges of racism and sexism. Additionally, immigrant-origin politicians are often expected to focus on migration and integration issues, which is neither the intention of many nor of benefit for their broader political ambitions, as their expertise is confined to a limited range of topics.

To address these challenges, the researchers propose concrete policy measures. These range from an expansion of voting rights and educational initiatives on how politics and the political system works to demands on parties to guarantee equal opportunities. Dr. Ferdinand Mirbach, Senior Expert in the Immigration Society team at the Robert Bosch Stiftung, emphasized the importance of increasing political representation of immigrant-origin communities for a functioning democracy. He stated, “Political parties, civil society, and institutions must actively create opportunities and remove barriers to ensure that a variety of voices are heard in decision-making.”

The study authors also call for stronger anti-discrimination measures, improved recruitment and training processes within political parties, and robust protective measures against hate speech and violence targeting minority politicians.

For more information on the study and its findings, please visit https://www.bosch-stiftung.de/en.

About Robert Bosch Stiftung

The Robert Bosch Stiftung is active in the areas of health, education, and global issues. Through its funding, the Foundation works for a just and sustainable future. It is non-profit, independent and non-partisan and is rooted in the legacy of Robert Bosch. In his legacy, the entrepreneur and founder formulated the dual mission of securing the company’s future and continuing his social commitment. The Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH maintains its own facilities, develops innovative projects, and provides support at both the international and local level. The Foundation contributes findings from these projects to the professional world and public debate.

The Foundation holds around 94 percent of the shares in Robert Bosch GmbH and is financed by dividends. The company and the Foundation are independent of each other. Since its establishment in 1964, the Robert Bosch Stiftung has contributed more than 2.5 billion euros to its charitable work.

About REPCHANCE Europe

REPCHANCE Europe examines the parliamentary representation of immigrant-origin politicians in Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK. The study spans a decade (2012–2021) and combines quantitative data with 175 personal interviews to understand political career trajectories and the factors influencing political engagement. The study was carried out by researchers at the Munich University of Applied Sciences, the University of Neuchâtel, the University of Amsterdam, and Science Po Paris. REPCHANCE Europe is funded by the Robert Bosch Stiftung, Stiftung Mercator Schweiz, and Porticus.

Access the REPCHANCE Europe study: Publications | Robert Bosch Stiftung

Join the Expert Briefing on March 27, 2025: REPCHANCE Europe – Drivers and Obstacles to Minority Representation | Robert Bosch Stiftung